Which entity does a Notary inform if their journal is lost or stolen?

When a Notary Public's journal is lost or stolen, it is important to inform the Secretary of State. This is because the journal is a critical component of a Notary's duties in California and serves as an official record of notarial acts performed. The Secretary of State's office regulates Notaries and has a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of the notarial process.

Notifying the Secretary of State allows them to take appropriate action, which may include keeping a record of the incident in case of misuse of the lost or stolen journal. It is essential for Notaries to report such incidents to help ensure accountability and protect against potential fraud.

The other entities mentioned, like local law enforcement, the county clerk, or the signing parties, do not hold the same regulatory oversight in relation to the Notary’s journal as the Secretary of State does. While it may be prudent for a Notary to report the loss to law enforcement, the primary obligation is to inform the Secretary of State.